As Nigeria’s flood season intensifies, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide public health alert warning of a heightened risk of waterborne and mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
In a statement signed by Director General Dr. Jide Idris and titled “Protecting Public Health During Flood Season: NCDC Issues Nationwide Alert on Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever”, the agency highlighted growing concerns over the spread of cholera, yellow fever, and dengue fever—especially in flood-affected states.
The alert follows a recent impact-based weather forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, and several other states as high-risk zones for flooding throughout July. NiMet warned that flooding may lead to large-scale displacement, disrupt livelihoods, and intensify the spread of infectious diseases.
According to the NCDC, floodwaters can contaminate drinking sources by washing human waste and disease-causing pathogens from the soil and sewage systems into wells, rivers, and lakes—creating conditions conducive to cholera outbreaks. Likewise, stagnant water from heavy rainfall provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, and malaria.
Cholera Cases on the Rise
As of June 29, suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State accounting for 32% of all cases. Other severely affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
Cholera is a life-threatening disease marked by severe watery diarrhoea and rapid dehydration. It is typically spread through contaminated food and water, with infection risks peaking during the rainy season due to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources.
Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever Spread
While cholera remains a major concern, NCDC has also confirmed outbreaks of yellow fever and dengue fever in multiple states.
Yellow fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, has been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers States, with seven verified cases to date. Although no fatalities have been recorded, the confirmation of a single case is officially classified as an outbreak under national health protocols.
Vaccination is regarded as the most effective preventive measure against yellow fever. In collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the NCDC is supporting affected states with diagnostics, mass immunisation campaigns, and outbreak investigation efforts.
In Edo State, an outbreak of dengue fever was confirmed between June 9 and 13 following laboratory testing. Dengue fever is also spread by Aedes mosquitoes and presents with symptoms including high fever, sore throat, headache, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Its similarity to malaria symptoms makes early diagnosis vital.
The NCDC has urged health workers nationwide to remain vigilant and promptly report all suspected dengue cases, as it is a notifiable disease under Nigerian law.
Ongoing Response and Preventive Measures
To curb further spread, the NCDC has mobilised outbreak response teams, distributed essential medical supplies, and ramped up disease surveillance and public risk communication at the community level.
The agency advised Nigerians to take preventive steps, including:
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Eliminating stagnant water around residential areas
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Covering water storage containers
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Using insecticide-treated mosquito nets and repellents
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Practicing regular handwashing and proper hygiene
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Avoiding open defecation
The public is also encouraged to seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as diarrhoea or persistent fever instead of self-medicating, as some mosquito-borne illnesses may mimic malaria.
With the convergence of flooding and infectious disease risks, the NCDC emphasizes that community cooperation, hygiene, and early reporting are essential to safeguarding public health in the months ahead.
